Standard Group (SG) employee Zanji Mukenya who had earlier threatened to commit suicide has broken his silence following a viral video of him contemplating to jump off a 3rd floor ledge within the office.
In a post on his social media on August 16, Zanji explained that he was just expressing his frustration over what he called delayed pay by his employer.
Additionally, he claimed that most of the workers in the media house were experiencing the same situation of frustration due to delayed salaries.
“Happened a few hours ago. I’m okay now. For context, I was fighting for my pay. Most of the Standard Media workers are going through this. This was me on a 3rd floor ledge ready to die or get my bag,” he said.
In the clip seen by The Kenya Times, Mukenya, is seen pacing anxiously back and forth, as if he is considering making the leap, while her colleagues stand by, seemingly powerless to intervene.
Further reports indicate that some employees have reportedly endured up to seven months of unpaid wages resulting to depression among the staff, further intensifying concerns about the well-being of those affected.
In its response, the Kenya Union Journalists (KUJ) assured that it was aware of the case, adding that it would help with psychosocial support to the affected.
“We have reached out via our partners for psychosocial support. We shall update,” stated KUJ in a reply on Friday.
Also Read: Standard Group Shuts Down TV Stations
Kenyans React over Viral Standard Group Video
Following the viral video, a section of Kenyans on social media weighed in on the incident with most of them expressing their sympathy and shock over the situation.
X user @Casandrafaith25, empathized with Mukenya while expressing concerns over the company dismissing the employees despite pending arrears.
“If they haven’t been paid till now, why wouldn’t someone be like this. They were fired with pending salary arrears,” she said.
Another user by the name @obiri_jokeman noted that the harsh economic times may have pushed him to contemplate the act. “Economy is bad,” the user said.
Also Read: Standard Group to Fire More Than 300 Employees
Standard Group to Fire More than 300 Employees
The viral video comes days after the media group issued a statement announcing plans to fire more than 300 employees in its latest efforts to remain afloat.
In a statement on July 30, the Standard Group Board issued a notice of intention to declare redundancy as stipulated in section 40 (1) of the Employment Act, 2007.
The Board stated that the decision was made in light of the challenging economic conditions and the evolving trends in the media industry and audience behavior, driven by technological advancements.
“In reaching this decision, we took into consideration, the difficult operating environment and its long- drawn effect on revenue generation. This situation has been witnessed on the back of shifting trends in media consumption, occasioned by technological changes in the digital media landscape and emerging consumer preferences which have necessitated a rethink of our business model,” read the notice in part.
As such, SG issued a one-month beginning July 31, stating that the affected employees will be notified in writing.
“The redundancy notice takes effect upon expiry of the one-month notice issued on 31 July 2024 and is expected to affect more than 300 employees across various departments. All the affected employees will be duly informed in writing,” said the Board.
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